Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 6th, 2013 9:36AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

Thursday: Trace amounts of new snow / Light west winds / Freezing level at 1200mFriday: Clearing throughout the day / Light northwest winds / Freezing level at surfaceSaturday: Mainly clear skies / Light north winds / Freezing level at surface

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Generally light accumulations overlie a variety of surfaces which include: wind slab at higher elevations, settled storm snow or spotty surface hoar in more sheltered terrain, and a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. A variable interface buried on Jan 23 is down about 20-40cm. In most locations it appears to be well bonded; however, buried surface hoar (up to 20mm) has been found in isolated parts of the North Elk valley. This will be something to watch as the overlying slab develops. The lower snowpack is generally well-settled.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Pockets of windslab are likely to exist at higher elevations and may react to the weight of a skier/rider.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 7th, 2013 2:00PM